Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with over a decade of experience helping people find their footing — whether they’re navigating addiction, working through trauma, or simply trying to figure out what a fulfilling life looks like for them.

She has worked with teens, adults, parents, and families across a wide range of settings, and she brings that breadth of experience into every session. Her approach is anything but one-size-fits-all. Kristen meets you exactly where you are — no judgment, no rigid agenda — and works with you to build something that actually fits your life.

As a mother herself, Kristen has a special place in her heart for moms. She understands firsthand how disorienting and overwhelming the postpartum period and early motherhood can be, and she’s passionate about helping women feel seen, supported, and less alone during that chapter.

At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful belief: that every person deserves to live a life that feels meaningful to them. Kristen’s job isn’t to tell you what that looks like — it’s to walk alongside you as you figure it out.

Approach

Kristen draws primarily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — two of the most evidence-based, results-driven approaches in modern psychotherapy. But she doesn’t just follow a script. She blends these frameworks with a strengths-based, individualized style that keeps you at the center.

In session, you can expect her to be direct and honest — because real progress rarely comes from vague, surface-level conversations. You can also expect warmth, humor, and genuine compassion. Kristen takes your struggles seriously without making the work feel heavy every single step of the way.

Her practice is trauma-informed, harm reduction-oriented, and deeply rooted in respecting your autonomy. Your values guide the work. Your goals set the direction.

Education and Experience

Kristen holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), bringing specialized training and expertise to her work with clients navigating addiction and recovery.